Deir Rafat, Catholic monastery in Mateh Yehuda, Israel
Deir Rafat is a Catholic monastery in Mateh Yehuda with two wings serving different functions. One section houses guest accommodations, while the other contains the monastic community's living quarters.
The monastery was founded in 1927 by Patriarch Luigi Barlassina during the British Mandate of Palestine. It originally served as a boarding school and orphanage for the local community.
The church ceiling displays the Hail Mary prayer written in 280 different languages, reflecting the global reach of Catholic devotion. Visitors walking through can see this linguistic diversity and experience how the place connects people from many backgrounds.
The monastery is open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday between 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Group visits require advance registration to ensure a smooth experience.
A bronze statue of the Virgin Mary stands prominently on the church facade with the inscription 'Reginae Palestinae'. This sculpture is a striking feature that defines the place's outward appearance.
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